NPR News Now: January 16, 2025, 5 PM EST

Published on January 16, 2025

Middle East Conflict: Ceasefire Efforts and Ongoing Violence

Reporter: Jack Spear
Contributing Reporter: Kat Lansdorf
Timestamp: [00:12] - [01:08]

Officials in Gaza have reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 83 Palestinians since an agreement was announced yesterday to end more than 15 months of conflict. The proposed ceasefire, pending approval, has faced delays; an Israeli security Cabinet vote initially scheduled has been postponed to the following day.

Kat Lansdorf provides further context, explaining that Israel claims Hamas demanded last-minute alterations to the ceasefire deal after mediators declared it finalized. However, Hamas has denied making such demands. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military has targeted approximately 50 locations in Gaza, leading to the death of at least one Hamas member implicated in the 2023 attack on southern Israel. Tragically, civilian casualties include 23 children, as reported by Civil Defense.

Anas Baba, NPR's producer in Gaza, conveyed the sentiments of the local population: "Many there are anxious that the fighting will get worse before it gets better" ([00:35]). The uncertainty persists as both sides navigate the fragile path toward peace.

U.S. Politics: Doug Burgum's Confirmation Hearing for Department of the Interior

Reporter: Jack Spear
Correspondent: Jonathan Lambert
Timestamp: [01:08] - [02:02]

Doug Burgum, the President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Interior, appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing. Former North Dakota Governor Burgum is considered one of Trump's less controversial cabinet picks, and his hearing maintained a generally friendly tone.

Burgum acknowledged the "global reality of climate change" but expressed skepticism about the reliability of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels. His primary objective, he stated, is to "increase domestic oil and gas production," which is currently at an all-time high ([01:22]).

Addressing the nation's housing crisis, Burgum proposed the development of housing on public lands. He also indicated a willingness to delist certain species, such as grizzly bears, from the Endangered Species Act, signaling a potential shift in environmental policies.

Burgum is expected to be confirmed, aligning with Trump's broader environmental and economic strategies.

Senate Appointment: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate

Reporter: Jack Spear
Correspondent: Adrian Andrews
Timestamp: [02:02] - [02:47]

Florida's Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve in the U.S. Senate, replacing Senator Marco Rubio should Rubio be confirmed as the next Secretary of State. This appointment is contingent upon the Senate's approval of Rubio's nomination.

Adrian Andrews reports that Moody would serve in the Senate until 2026 under the current arrangement. A steadfast supporter of both Governor DeSantis and the Trump administration since her appointment in 2019, Moody emphasized her commitment to "illegal immigration reform" during her acceptance speech ([02:16]).

In her address, Moody conveyed a clear message to President Trump and her future Senate colleagues: "America first, let's get it done" ([02:38]). Governor DeSantis highlighted his desire for a senator capable of collaborating with Trump to "cut excessive spending and strengthen the nation's border," underscoring the administration's priorities.

Financial Markets and Legal Developments

Reporter: Jack Spear & Bill Chappell
Timestamp: [02:59] - [04:35]

Stock Market Update:
US stock markets experienced a downturn following significant gains the previous day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 68 points, while the Nasdaq dropped 172 points ([02:59]).

Rudy Giuliani's Legal Settlement:
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has reached a settlement with two Georgia election workers whom he had defamed by falsely alleging their involvement in stealing the 2020 election. Facing a potential loss of his home and personal property due to a $148 million judgment, the settlement allows Giuliani to retain his assets, including a ten-room apartment on New York's Upper East Side, in exchange for an undisclosed cash payment.

Los Angeles Fires and Fake Images:
In the wake of the initial day of wildfires in Los Angeles, fake images have been circulating, exacerbating public fear and confusion. Hani Farid, an expert on misinformation from the University of California, Berkeley, highlighted the creation of bogus images showing landmarks like the Hollywood sign and the Oscar statue ablaze. Farid emphasized the detrimental impact of such falsifications: "They can distract firefighters and confuse people trying to evacuate. And they create doubt about all content, including facts" ([04:09]).

Bill Chappell humorously noted one particularly egregious fake: "I mean, you gotta love the one where Hollywood was spelled wrong" ([04:06]). Farid advises the public to rely on reputable news sources for accurate information and limit social media use to avoid falling prey to fake images.

Economic Indicators: U.S. Retail Sales Increase

Reporter: Jack Spear
Timestamp: [04:35] - [04:51]

Americans concluded the year with a boost in consumer spending, as reported by the Commerce Department. Retail sales rose by 0.4% last month, contributing to higher sales figures through December. Consumers increased their expenditures across various categories, including furniture and clothing, indicating sustained economic resilience despite other market fluctuations ([04:35]).

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus on the core news discussions.